ARGUABLY THE greatest British statesman of the 20th Century spoke in praise of Berrow's Worcester Journal exactly 50 years ago this week.

Winston Churchill was at the Guildhall to receive the Freedom of Worcester and had just been driven through a vast crowd of citizens in High Street, many cheering "Good Old Winnie!"

Under the headline "City's Tribute to a Great Statesman," the Journal reported: "The Freedom of Worcester has been presented to Mr Winston Churchill in recognition of his unequalled services to the Realm at one of the most desperate stages in its history.

"The ceremony was conducted by the Mayor, Alderman T.S Bennett who had earlier welcomed Mr and Mrs Churchill to his home and farm at Lower Wick .

"In his speech, the Mayor stressed: 'At times Mr Churchill's counsel has been rejected but I shudder to think the fate of the world if he had been a less tenacious and pugnacious a person.' "

In his acceptance speech, Mr Churchill said: "I regard it as a very high and agreeable honour to be made a Freeman of this city. It not only has a long history but is also home to the oldest newspaper in the world, Berrow's Journal, to tell you what is going on now.

"Worcester has a happy variety of industries and has been spared some of the pangs of misfortune and unemployment that have fallen on other parts of the country. The city has made a great name for itself in many ways, particularly through its porcelain and sauce, and there are many aspects to its skills and industry, all aiming at quality and versatility. These are characteristics of those who live in this beautiful part of England."

After a civic luncheon at the Guildhall, Mr Churchill travelled to Astley where he officially handed over to the trustees, the new roadside Memorial put up in honour of a famous son of Worcestershire, Earl (Stanley) Baldwin who was three times Prime Minister of Britain.

In the same week as the Churchill Freedom, Berrow's reported another significant event in Worcester - a parade of local Old Contemptibles.

"Men who stood in the way of the Kaiser's legions in 1914, marched past the War Memorial outside Worcester Cathedral to the accompaniment of the song they have made immortal, 'Tipperary.' They are members of the Old Contemptibles Association which celebrates its Jubilee this year.

"The Mayor, Alderman Bennett inspected a Guard of Honour and stated: 'The muster here this afternoon is ample evidence that the spirit and comradeship of the Old Contempibles, forged in the heat and fury of war, lives on years afterwards.' "

A century ago this week, "Crowquill," in his Journal comment column, highlighted a visit to the County Ground of the legendary cricketer, W.G Grace. He had led the London County team in a three-day match against Worcestershire.

"When Dr Grace is in the cricket field, there can be no lack of life. He has a word for every bowler, batsman and fielder, and a word or more for every incident. His voice is nearly as big as his body - by the way, he looks hardly so portly as he did last year - and his accents can be heard at frequent intervals all over the field.

"Quite often, the spectators share his humours with the players. There was a case in point on Tuesday at the County Ground. A batsman skied a catch in the middle of the pitch. The unwritten rule is that the bowler who is facing it, shall take it. Santall, the bowler would have done so, but the wicket keeper Lilley bore down on him with arms flying wildly like a windmill.

"He scared Santall out of the way and secured the ball. The Doctor who is a great admirer of Lilley, remarked with great gusto to Santall: 'Why, you would let him take the ball out of your mouth!' Santall then illustrated Lilley's windmill method, and the spectators had the benefit of both the Doctor's jest and Santall's pantomime."

In the match, Worcestershire scored 217 and 138 and were beaten by London County who scored 160 and 196 for seven. W.G Grace took 4 for 91 and 5 for 66 and scored 30 and 20. The successful Worcestershire player was Wilson who scored 78 and took 7 for 71.